There were 2 motions and 1 question.
Howard proposed:
That the Mayor write to Transport for NSW seeking additional on-water boating compliance patrol measures in the Great Lakes region this summer season.
416/2024 RESOLUTION
(Moved Cr P Howard/Seconded Cr A Tickle)
That the Mayor write to Transport for NSW seeking additional on-water boating compliance patrol measures in the Great Lakes region this summer season.
FOR VOTE – Cr P Beazley, Cr M Graham, Cr P Howard, Cr J Miller, Cr T O’Keefe, Cr C Pontin, Cr D Smith, Cr A Tickle, Cr N Turnbull, Cr D Wilson.
AGAINST VOTE – Nil
ABSENT, DID NOT VOTE – Cr M McKenzie
Tickle proposed:
(Moved Cr A Tickle/Seconded Cr J Miller)
417/2024 RESOLUTION
1. Establishes a policy position, where the funding allocated to the annual operational plan to the transport and infrastructure directorate shall be an increase on the previous year’s amount that as a minimum, is commensurate with the increase in Federal Assistance Grants (inclusive of the roads component) and that those funds be prioritised for asset renewals and maintenance.
2. Ensure funding allocation from general rates to the transport and infrastructure directorate, shall as a minimum, be increased annually commensurate with any increase in rates revenue.
3. Prioritised capital works, for example road or bridge re-construction, be generally funded from tied grants.
4. The position outlined in points 1 to 3 be considered in the annual budget development process.
5. As part of the Roads Strategy, a report be provided with annual status updates, identifying the overall road inventory in the different condition levels, projecting current intervention timelines and the likely escalation of costs for implementing optimal renewals strategies, such as a re-sealing, heavy patching & rehabilitation programs.
6. Provide status reports no less than annually, reflecting the impact to the Long Term Financial Plan, of any escalation of renewal backlog after factoring in indexation.
7. Implement community engagement, to improve the community’s understanding of the Roads Strategy which prioritises maintenance and renewals with reconstruction generally funded by tied grants.
FOR VOTE – Cr P Beazley, Cr M Graham, Cr P Howard, Cr J Miller, Cr T O’Keefe, Cr C Pontin, Cr D Smith, Cr A Tickle, Cr N Turnbull, Cr D Wilson.
AGAINST VOTE – Nil
ABSENT, DID NOT VOTE – Cr M McKenzie
Dheera Smith’s questions were:
QUESTION 1
Can you summarise the progress and achievements MidCoast Council has made in implementing the Biodiversity Framework in the last 12 months.
QUESTION 2
Poisoning trees has now occurred on Council land at Diamond Head and Burgess Road, Forster. What actions will Council take to address this damage now and if future vandalism occurs? If community or Council identifies tree vandals what penalties apply?
RESPONSE BY DIRECTOR LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES
RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1
Substantial and positive progress has been made to implement the adopted MidCoast Council Biodiversity Framework (2021 – 2030). The Biodiversity Framework is a roadmap for conserving the natural heritage of the MidCoast region on behalf of the community. Substantial community consultation was undertaken as part of the development of the Framework.
The key implementation achievements over the last 12-months have included:
• Council staff have conducted Audits of most of the Council Natural Area Reserves. 218 reserve audits have been completed. A Natural Area Asset Management Plan and Long- term (10-year) Financial Plan are currently in development to prioritise asset maintenance of public natural area reserves and achieve condition targets. (Actions 1.4.1, 3.3.1 and 3.3.3)
• A Koala Conservation Strategy (2024) has been prepared and adopted by Council. This guides how Council assists agencies and the community to conserve the koala within the MidCoast region. Council is a regional partner under the NSW Koala Strategy and has obtained over $3M in external funding support for koala management actions and the development of the strategy. Substantial progress has been made on the implementation of the Strategy (Biodiversity Framework priority species) and has been reported in the annual report.
• Council staff have conducted environmental impact assessments of 130 development applications and planning proposals in accordance with the requirements of the NSW biodiversity legislation during 2024. (Action 6.1.2)
• Weed control programs (including community engagement and education) have been delivered by the biosecurity team of Council and contractors to meet the requirements of the Weeds Action Plan. This work has been complemented with environmental weed control programs delivered with funding from the Koala Conservation Strategy and the Catchment Program. (Action 3.1.1). A draft of the five-year MidCoast Weed Management Strategic Plan has been prepared and is undergoing internal review. (Action 3.1.2)
• Biodiversity principles and outcomes are being incorporated into the development of relevant coastal, estuary and catchment management plans, including the Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program. (Action 5.4.1)
• Environmental assessments have been completed for Council’s projects and activities. Council’s procedure for internal environmental assessments has been continuously reviewed and improved. (Action 6.3.1)
• Council has been implementing the Offsets Procedure for impacts to biodiversity associated with Council’s activities as required through the Environmental Planning and Assessment process. (Action 6.3.2)
• The Hallidays Point Biodiversity Strategy and Local Conservation Action Plan is nearing completion. (Actions 5.1.1 and 5.1.3)
• Mapping has been completed for all permanently protected private lands across the MidCoast Council area. This mapping is continuously revised and updated. Understanding where private protected lands occur allows Council staff to engage with and assist these landholders with on-ground actions (i.e. by linking landholders with external funding support). (Action 2.1.1). Council has jointly (with MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust) supported the employment of a Private Land Conservation Officer to assist local landholders. (Action 2.3.5).
• A review of the administration of the Land for Wildlife scheme was completed. Council partners with MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare to deliver the Land for Wildlife program locally. (Actions 2.3.1 and 2.3.2)
• Mapping has been compiled of the wetlands of the Southern Estuaries coastal management program area to assist with wetland conservation and management. (Action 4.3.1).
• The River Revival project is being delivered to assist landholders to identify and protect important riparian refuge sites. This is being delivered with external funding support from the NSW Environmental Trust. (Action 3.5.5)
• Several Council natural area reserves are being planned for ecological or cultural burning in consultation with the Taree Indigenous Development and Employment Inc, the Rural Fire Service, and other bushfire authorities. (Action 3.8.3)
• A development incentive for biodiversity clause has been drafted as part of the Draft MidCoast LEP. (Action 6.4.1)
• A range of biodiversity and environmental engagement programs and workshops have been delivered; often in partnership with other agencies and organisations such as Hunter Local Land Services and MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare. (Actions 1.1.1 and 2.3.3). Partnerships with universities and research organisations have been maintained to assist with water protection and biodiversity information and advice. (Action 4.2.2)
• The Lower Manning River Drainage Remediation Action Plan continues to be delivered and implemented. (Action 3.5.1)
RESPONSE TO QUESTION 2
While the recent tree poisoning at Diamond Head and Burgess Road are extremely disappointing, such occurrences are unfortunately fairly common. Although the culprits may sometimes be identifiable, issuing penalty notices can be challenging without proper evidence or an admission of guilt.
In response to the severity and scale of the damage, we typically take the following actions, though these are not formalised:
• Notify surrounding residents and request any additional information regarding the incident.
• Install temporary signage, fencing, or banners at the site to raise awareness.
• Utilise various media platforms to inform the community about the situation.
• Investigate and interview relevant individuals to gather more information.
• Issue infringement notices when appropriate.
• Retain dead trees if safety concerns have been addressed.
• Remove only the minimum necessary tree parts to ensure safety while preserving habitat value (e.g., leaving stumps for nesting birds).
• Replant replacement trees at a determined ratio for every tree damaged.
• Consider legal proceedings if sufficient evidence is available.
Regarding the Burgess Road incident, the following actions are planned:
• Notification letters have been sent to immediate residents, but no responses were received.
• Site fencing will be installed on Tuesday, November 12, to define the extent of the damage (a chain-wire fence 2.4 meter high by 21 meter long).
• Signage highlighting the vandalism will be attached to the fencing.
• The existing dead vegetation will be retained and managed to address public safety concerns.
• The site will be regenerated using local species.